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Costa Rica

Costa Rica

Summary

Exercise a high degree of caution in Costa Rica due to the high risk of serious crime. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times. Monitor the media and other sources about security risks.

National strikes, including road blocks, have been ongoing since September 2018. Delays and disruptions to travel plans are possible. Avoid demonstrations and protests, as they may turn violent. See
Safety and security

Violent crime is a significant risk across Costa Rica. Petty crime, including pickpocketing and bag snatching, is common. See
Safety and security

The Australian Consulate in San Jose provides limited consular assistance to Australians in Costa Rica. The
Australian Embassy in Mexico can provide full consular assistance to Australians in Costa Rica.

Entry and exit

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Australian Government cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

Visas

Australian passport holders don't need a visa for tourism for less than 90 days.

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) can change at short notice. For up-to-date information contact the nearest
Embassy or Consulate of Costa Rica

Other formalities

You may be refused entry if you can't show proof of return or onward travel.

Travelling to Costa Rica through the USA and Canada

If you're travelling to Costa Rica via the United States of America (US), you must meet US entry/transit requirements. Check your visa requirements with the nearest
US Embassy or Consulate well in advance of travel.

Travelling minors

Minors travelling alone or with only one parent (or legal guardian) must present a notarised letter of consent from the non-travelling parent(s) to enter Costa Rica. Minors with dual Australian and Costa Rican nationalities require notarised written consent from both parents in order to leave Costa Rica. Contact the nearest
Embassy or Consulate of Costa Rica for further information.

Yellow fever

If you have travelled to a country listed by the World Health Organization as endemic for yellow fever in the ten days before your arrival in Costa Rica, you'll need to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate on arrival.

Departure tax

You must pay a departure tax to leave Costa Rica. Check if it's included in your ticket with your airline. At airports, you can pay in USD or Costa Rican Colones (CRC), in cash or by credit card. At land border crossings, you can pay at Bancredito kiosks.

Passport

Check the expiry date of your Australian passport before you travel. Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for six months from when you plan to leave that country.

Your passport is a valuable document and attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. Passports are a popular target for criminals.

If your passport is lost or stolen, you must notify the Australian Government as soon as possible.

Money

Australian Dollars can't be exchanged, though US Dollars are easily converted. Credit cards are widely accepted.

Safety and security

Crime

The crime rate in Costa Rica is high.

Violent crime

Violent crime - including armed robberies, carjackings, home invasions and gang muggings - is common. 'Express kidnappings', where individuals are abducted and forced to withdraw funds from ATMs, have also occurred.

Foreigners have been the target of armed robberies and drug-related crime. Tourist attractions, resorts, airports, bus stations, harbour facilities (particularly the ports of Limon and Puntarenas) and public transport are particular targets for criminals. Travellers using unofficial taxis have been robbed and assaulted.

There have been reports of drink spiking, resulting in theft and assault. Sexual harassment and assault of women occurs. You are more at risk if you're alone on a beach or travelling alone in a taxi.

Security risks are increased in the capital city, San Jose. High-risk areas for theft in San Jose include the Coca-Cola bus station, inner downtown areas and public parks. There is some risk after dark of criminal activities on roads from San Jose International Airport.

Plan your arrival to and departure from San Jose airport during daylight hours when possible.

Pay particular attention to your personal security in San Jose, as well as Tamarindo, Jaco, Quepos, Manuel Antonio and Tarcoles River on the Pacific Coast and Puerto Viejo and Cahuita on the Atlantic Coast.

Petty crime

Petty crime, including pickpocketing and bag snatching, is common. Theft from overhead compartments on buses occurs regularly. Thefts from unattended vehicles can occur in the downtown area of San Jose, near beaches, in national parks and in other tourist areas.

A common trick used by thieves is to slash car tyres and then assist in repairs, while an accomplice steals from the vehicle. Criminals have also staged deliberate traffic accidents with the intention of robbing the occupants once they have stopped their car.

Tourist police operate in many tourist areas and can provide assistance in the event of a robbery or other incident. See
Where to get help

Credit card fraud

Credit card fraud is a risk.

Keep your card in view when conducting transactions.

Check your accounts for unauthorised purchases.

Street money changers often pass counterfeit Costa Rican and US currency. Only change money at banks or official exchanges.

Civil unrest and political tension

Nationwide strikes, including roadblocks, have been underway since September 2018. It is unknown how long the strike action will continue. Delays and disruptions to travel plans throughout Costa Rica are possible. Avoid demonstrations and protests as they may turn violent, and do not attempt to cross roadblocks or other protest action.

Civil disturbances, including work stoppages and strikes, may cause disruption to local public services.

Terrorism

Local travel

Strong coastal currents, including rip tides on the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, can make swimming dangerous. Lifeguards are not common on public beaches and few beaches have signs warning of dangerous conditions. Crocodile attacks have been reported on the Pacific Coast. Seek advice from local authorities before swimming.

Safety standards of adventure activity tour operators, such as white water rafting, bungee jumping, scuba diving and jungle canopy tours, may not be as high as in Australia. They may not provide sufficient safety equipment or follow recommended maintenance standards and safety precautions.

Always use available safety equipment, such as lifejackets or seatbelts, even if others don't.

If appropriate safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Road travel

Driving is dangerous due to poorly maintained roads and vehicles, local driving practices, inadequate road lighting and signage, potholes and landslides. Serious traffic accidents are common. You are two and a half times more likely to be killed in a motor vehicle accident in Costa Rica than in Australia.

Carjackings occur, often at gunpoint.

Criminals target stationary cars for 'smash-and-grab' robberies.

Rental vehicles are often targeted for robbery and attack.

To minimise risks when travelling by road:

avoid driving at night

drive with the doors locked, windows closed and valuables out of sight

remain vigilant when your vehicle is stopped

park in secured car parks where possible

don't leave valuables in the vehicle

if you rent a car, ensure you have theft insurance.

If you're involved in a traffic accident:

by law, you must stay with the vehicle and not move it until the Traffic Police have inspected the scene

authorities may prevent you from leaving Costa Rica until any injury claims have been settled. This could occur whether or not you have insurance and whether or not you were at fault in the accident.

Driver's licence

You can drive a vehicle or motorcycle for up to three months with your Australian driver's licence.

Taxis

Official taxis are red and have a yellow triangle on their side panels. Official airport taxis are orange. Prepaid vouchers for airport taxis can be purchased in front of the San Jose airport terminal.

Travellers using unofficial taxis have been robbed and assaulted.

Only use official taxis.

Don't ride in the front seat of a taxi.

If you are female, avoid travelling alone in taxis.

Public transport

There is a high risk of theft on public transport. Don't put your passport and other valuables in luggage racks or under your seat.

Air travel

The Australian Government doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths. See the
Aviation Safety Network website for information on aviation safety in Costa Rica.

Drug laws

Other laws

It's illegal to photograph official buildings. Check with local authorities before taking photos.

There are strict laws protecting wildlife and flora. Speak to your tour guide or local authorities if you're unsure.

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws apply overseas. If you commit these offences, you can be prosecuted in Australia. Laws include those relating to:

bribery of foreign public officials

child pornography

child sex tourism

female genital mutilation

forced marriage

money laundering

terrorism.

Local customs

Photographing children and women, or talking with children may be met with suspicion and violence.

Always seek permission from the child's parents before taking photographs of children or talking to children.

Always seek permission from the woman/women before taking their photograph.

Health

Travel insurance

Take out comprehensive travel insurance before you depart to cover overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation.

Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government won't pay for your medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs. This can be very expensive and cost you many thousands of dollars upfront.

Confirm:

what circumstances and activities are and aren't covered under your policy

Medication

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia are available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

Take prescription medicine with you so you remain in good health. Always carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating what the medicine is, how much you take and that it's for personal use only.

Before you leave Australia, check if your medication is legal in each country you're travelling to.

Health risks

Mosquito-borne illnesses

Malaria is a serious risk in the provinces of Limon and Puntarenas, including near the border with Panama. Other insect-borne diseases (including, dengue fever, Chikungunya virus, chagas' disease and leishmaniasis) are also a risk, particularly during the wet season (April to November).

There is widespread transmission of Zika virus in Costa Rica. If you're pregnant, discuss any travel plans with your doctor and defer non-essential travel to affected areas.

Protect yourself against mosquito-borne illnesses:

ensure your accommodation is mosquito proof

take measures to avoid insect bites, including using always using insect repellent and wearing long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing

Other diseases and health issues

Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including tuberculosis, typhoid, hepatitis and rabies) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time.

Drink boiled or bottled water.

Avoid ice cubes.

Avoid uncooked and undercooked food.

Don't swim in freshwater lakes and rivers as they can be contaminated.

Seek urgent medical attention if you suspect poisoning, if you have a fever or suffer from diarrhoea.

Medical facilities

Public medical facilities are of a reasonable standard in the capital San Jose, but are very limited in smaller towns and rural areas. Private medical facilities are available and well-equipped.

Treatment at private clinics and hospitals is expensive. Doctors and hospitals will rarely agree to work with your overseas travel insurance company. They usually expect cash payment before they'll provide medical services, including for emergency care. You'll need to pay in cash and seek reimbursement later.

Hyperbaric chambers are available at some beach resorts, including Liberia and Samara.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to a destination with appropriate facilities. Medical evacuation and medical treatment can be very expensive.

Natural disasters

If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Hurricanes and severe weather

Costa Rica experiences hurricanes and associated landslides, mudslides, flooding and disruptions to essential services and infrastructure. The hurricane season is June to November, but tropical storms and hurricanes can occur in other months. The direction and strength of hurricanes can change with little warning.

The rainy season in Costa Rica normally occurs between May to November, although it can extend until January. Heavy rainfalls can cause landslides and mudslides.

If you're travelling during the wet season:

know your hotel or cruise ship evacuation plans

carry your travel documents at all times or secure them in a safe, waterproof location

contact friends and family in Australia with updates about your welfare and whereabouts.

Flights in and out of hurricane-affected areas could be delayed or suspended. Available flights may fill quickly. Contact your airline for the latest flight information. A hurricane could also affect access to sea ports in the region.

In some areas, adequate shelter from a severe hurricane may not be available to all who may choose to stay.

Earthquakes, volcanos and tsunamis

Costa Rica is subject to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. All oceanic regions of the world can experience tsunamis, but Costa Rica's susceptibility to earthquakes makes destructive tsunamis more likely.

The Turrialba volcano has been particularly active since May 2016, causing ash fall and vapours. Ash clouds have caused airport closures and flight disruptions in the past.

Monitor local media and weather reports

Know your hotel's procedures in case of an earthquake.

Check with your airline or travel provider for the latest information on disruptions.

If there is natural disaster, follow the instructions of local authorities.

Where to get help

Depending on what you need, your best option may be to first contact your family, friends, travel agent, travel insurance provider, employer, or airline. Your travel insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Emergency phone numbers

Firefighting and rescue services: 911 or 118

Medical emergencies: 911 or 128

Criminal issues, contact police: 911

Always obtain a police report when reporting a crime

Tourist police operate in many tourist areas and can be contacted by dialling 911.

Tourism services and products

For complaints relating to tourism services or products, contact your service provider directly.

Australian Government

The Australian Consulate in San Jose, headed by an Honorary Consul, provides limited consular assistance to Australians in Costa Rica. The Consulate does not issue Australian passports, but can conduct passport interviews and provide provisional travel documents for emergency travel to the nearest Australian Embassy.